How to treat insect bites and stings

Mosquito bites once used to be a source of pride for me, back when I was a child and less easily irritated. My friends and I would count our bumps and whoever had the most bites earned the most bragging rights.

Why we felt so proud to have bumps on our fresh skin I don’t know. Since then, I’ve realized the sting of a mosquito, or any bugs, black flies, wasps, bees isn’t an honour—it’s a personal attack on my bloodstream, and must be avoided at all costs. My instinctive response is to flail violently and swat my arms mindlessly. Here are a few slightly more effective ways that you can avoid turning yourself into an all-you-can-bite buffet.

Stay away

A wise author once wrote, ‘never poke a sleeping dragon.’ In other words, don’t put yourself in danger (Source: Hogwarts). These terrorising bugs are most active during sunrise and sunset; if you have to go outside, wear long-sleeved clothes. Mosquitoes are especially attracted to uric acid, found in sweat, bad idea to exercise outside in a mosquito-infested area. Clear away your garbage as they attract bees and wasps.

Use repellent

If their buzzing sounds are still following you everywhere, it’s time to apply repellant. DEET is said to be the best repellent. Check the products you’re buying has a good amount of DEET. Anyone older than 12-years-old can use products containing up to 30% safely. The maximum for children younger than 12 is 10% concentration, but repellent shouldn’t be used for babies younger than six months—cover their crib or stroller with a mosquito net instead.

Apply Relief

If all else fails and you do get bitten, fear not! If it was a bee, make sure to remove the stinger right away. To cool down the pain, put ice on the area. And if it’s itchy (and it probably will be), apply calamine lotion directly to the bite.

Finally, if you notice any of the following symptoms, you may be having an allergic reaction to the bite. Seek help immediately.

• Difficulty breathing
• Hives that appear as a red, itchy rash and spread to areas beyond the sting
• Swelling of the face, throat, or mouth tissue
• Wheezing or difficulty swallowing
• Restlessness and anxiety
• Rapid pulse
• Dizziness or a sharp drop in blood pressure

Of course, there are several other natural reliefs such as applying a piece of aloe vera or my mother's favourite, rubbing the inside of a banana peel against the itchy bump. But that involved eating a banana, feeling sticky, and smelling like a banana too.